KPTS ENCOURAGES CHILDREN TO BE MORE WITH WORDS!

KPTS, public television for Wichita, Kansas, encourages students to write and illustrate original stories by organizing a Young Authors Contest called Be More with Words, for children in kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth grades. “The key part of this contest is not only to promote literacy, but also to emphasize the art of telling stories,” explains Sheila Shaw, KPTS education outreach coordinator.

The contest consists of two parts, divided by different age categories. In Spring, children from kindergarten until the second grade had the opportunity to express their stories. Considering the fact that they are so young, they were allowed to dictate the stories to an elderly person. A colorful drawing illustrated the story, which often resulted in little pieces of art. Be More with Words 2012 for kindergarten - second grade became a success. Over 250 children sent their creative story to KPTS. Given these facts, KPTS is excited to start the Fall contest. Now it is time for the older children to let their imagination work.

The stories are judged by a panel of 15 librarians. When they have selected a winner, KPTS informs the parents, the school and the teacher of the child. But they must wait to tell the news to the winning author, because KPTS wants to bring a surprise visit to the classroom of the winner. Together with Clifford the dog and a lot of pizzas, KPTS arrives at the school to throw a pizza party with all the classmates. In that way, KPTS makes sure that the whole school is engaged in the Young Authors Contest.  

You can watch a video clip of one of the surprise announcements at school here: 

Besides the surprise announcement, the winners are also invited to visit KPTS to record their stories. Here, the winners can read their stories in front of the camera, so families from around the country have the opportunity to see the young author perform. The participants who do not win also receive a certificate of being a recognized young author. In that way, all students who participate are encouraged to “Be More with Words”!

For more information, visit the Young Authors Contest website.

You can watch the video clips of the winning young authors here: